Summary
If you’ve ever considered laser hair removal, you might have wondered: when is the best time to start?
Living in a beautiful, sunny coastal town like Brighton adds an extra layer of consideration, especially with the UK’s famously unpredictable weather.
As a laser hair removal specialist and the owner of Cells Aesthetics, I understand how planning treatments around the seasons can lead to optimal results. Allow me to guide you through the science, the seasons, and my personal tips to help you make the best decision.
How Laser Hair Removal Works (and Why Seasons Matter)
Laser hair removal is more than just a beauty treatment—it’s a science-backed process. Lasers target melanin (the pigment) in your hair follicles, heating and damaging them to inhibit regrowth.
But for this to work safely and effectively, certain conditions are ideal:
Skin needs to be its natural tone: Tanned or sunburned skin can increase the risk of complications like pigmentation issues.
Aftercare requires limited UV exposure: Brighton’s sunny, seaside location means UV exposure is a key factor to consider. Laser-treated skin is more sensitive to UV rays, which can increase the risk of pigmentation issues so avoiding direct sunlight is crucial.
Sessions need to be spaced out: Laser hair removal is most effective during the active growth phase of your hair cycle, called the anagen phase. However, not all hair follicles are in this phase at the same time. This is why multiple sessions are needed, spaced 4–6 weeks apart, to ensure every follicle is treated.
Living in Brighton, with its sunny beach summers and often gloomy winters, means you’ll want to time your treatments carefully to match your lifestyle.
Spring: Start Early for a Summer-Ready Glow
Spring is a strategic time to begin laser hair removal. With brighter days on the horizon, it’s natural to start thinking about sundresses, shorts, and trips to Brighton Pier.
Why Spring Works
Results in time for summer: Most people need 6–8 sessions for optimal results, so starting in spring can give you a significant reduction in hair by beach season.
Lower UV risk: While sunny days are increasing, they’re less intense than summer, making it easier to protect your skin post-treatment.
Challenges of Spring
You’ll need to plan carefully to ensure your sessions are spaced out before summer kicks in. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the spring, you’ll need to be diligent about sunscreen and avoiding tanning.
Personal Tip: I always advise my spring clients to invest in a high-quality SPF 50+ and a wide-brimmed hat, even for cloudy Brighton days.
Summer: Proceed with Caution
Brighton truly comes alive in the summer. With festivals, outdoor dining, and beach lounging, it’s tempting to start treatments during this sunny season—but summer isn’t the easiest time for laser hair removal.
Risks of Summer Treatments
UV exposure: After laser treatments, your skin is particularly sensitive to the sun. Any exposure can increase the risk of pigmentation or irritation.
Tanned skin: Whether from the sun or self-tanning products, darker skin tones can make it harder for the laser to distinguish between hair pigment and skin pigment, potentially reducing effectiveness.
When Summer Can Work
If you have a more indoor lifestyle or can commit to strict aftercare (like covering up and staying out of the sun), summer treatments are possible. At Cells Aesthetics, we use the Soprano Titanium laser, which is designed to work safely across a range of skin tones and is gentle enough for year-round treatments, but UV protection is still essential.
Personal Tip: If you’re heading to the beach, pack a long, breezy cover-up and embrace the shade with a stylish parasol.
Autumn: The Goldilocks Season for Laser Hair Removal
If there’s one season I recommend more than any other, it’s autumn. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and just right for continuing or starting your sessions. By now, summer tans are fading, UV exposure is lower, and there’s plenty of time to complete a full treatment course before spring.
Why Autumn Is Ideal
Low UV risk: Shorter days mean less intense sunlight, reducing the risk of post-treatment skin damage.
Tanned skin fades: Your natural skin tone is usually restored after summer, allowing the laser to target hair more effectively.
Plenty of time: Starting in autumn gives you a head start on achieving smooth, hair-free skin before the next sunny season.
Personal Tip: With festive parties and end-of-year celebrations on the horizon, autumn is a strategic time to invest in smoother skin. Whether it’s for that little black dress or a cosy spa day, you’ll feel confident knowing your hair removal journey is well underway.
Winter: Perfect for the Patient Planner
Winter might not be the first season that comes to mind for laser hair removal, but it’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking ahead.
Benefits of Winter Treatments
Minimal sun exposure: With shorter days and heavier clothing, your skin is naturally protected from UV rays.
Lots of time: You can complete your full treatment course well before the warmer months.
Focus on skin health: Winter is a great time to prioritise skincare routines, allowing your skin to heal and rejuvenate between treatments.
Personal Tip: Apply sunscreen even in cold winter months for maximum protection.
Seasonal Skin Care Considerations for Brighton Residents
Brighton’s Unique Climate
As a coastal city, Brighton’s weather adds an interesting twist to skincare. The sea breeze can dehydrate your skin, especially in colder months, while the summer sun reflects off the water, amplifying UV exposure. Adjusting your skincare routine to combat these factors is essential, particularly when undergoing laser treatments.
Hydration and Protection
Regardless of the season, keeping your skin hydrated and protected is key. Use a good-quality moisturiser to maintain skin barrier health and always apply sunscreen, even in winter. Healthy skin ensures laser treatments are both safe and effective.
Why Timing is Personal
While winter is often the top recommendation, the truth is, the “best” season depends on your lifestyle and goals. Some of my clients prefer autumn, as it aligns with their post-summer schedules, while others swear by spring to get a head start before summer holidays.
At Cells Aesthetics, we pride ourselves on creating personalised treatment plans. Every client’s skin is different, and we take a holistic approach to ensure the timing, technology, and aftercare suit your unique needs. Our Soprano Titanium laser allows for flexibility, working safely year-round, even on tanned or darker skin tones.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Get Started
Deciding when to begin your laser hair removal journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding how the seasons impact your skin and planning accordingly, you can achieve smooth, hair-free results that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
If you’re in the Brighton & Hove area, why not book a free consultation at Cells Aesthetics? Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or autumn, we’ll help you find the perfect time to start—and guide you every step of the way with science-backed treatments and cutting-edge technology.
Smooth skin is always in season!